Tuguegarao City — With support from the Australian Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines and the Provincial Government of Cagayan officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance local resilience and climate action across the province.

Cagayan Provincial Governor Edgardo B. Aglipay and UNDP Philippines Resident Representative ad interim Knut Ostby led the ceremonial signing to formally launch of the Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change (SHIELD) Programme in the province. 

Located at the northeast tip of Luzon, Cagayan is among the country’s most hazard-prone areas. Its position within the seismically active zone exposes communities to both volcanic and earthquake risks. The province also sits squarely within the “cyclone belt.” It is traversed by the Cagayan River, the country’s longest and largest river system, making it highly vulnerable to seasonal flooding, extreme heat, and other climate-induced disasters. These recurring hazards continue to challenge local development efforts, underscoring the need to strengthen climate and disaster resilience.

A defining feature of SHIELD is its collaborative, multistakeholder approach to risk-to-resilience investments. The Programme will be implemented in close coordination with a number of national government agencies: the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), as well as its consortium partners: National Resilience Council (NRC), Philippine Business for Social Progress  (PBSP) and UN-Habitat. This multistakeholder partnership ensures that local governments gain access to technical expertise, science-based tools, and community-driven solutions that reinforce long-term resilience.

Governor Aglipay affirmed the province’s full support to SHIELD, noting that environmental protection and disaster resilience have long been priorities for the provincial government: “To make this partnership succeed, the Provincial Government of Cagayan commits to rapid coordination and evidence-based planning. We will open provincial datasets, support risk assessments, and ensure findings inform our development and investment plans. We will prioritize initiatives that protect communities, strengthen agri-value chains, and mobilize blended finance for resilient investments. We will also advance the Green Wall approach, integrate agroforestry and livelihood planning, and institutionalize community-based monitoring systems. Above all, we pledge whole-of-government coordination and sustained engagement with communities, the academe, the private sector, and civil society to ensure shared ownership and lasting impact.”

In his message, UNDP Resident Representative, a.i., Mr. Ostby emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating that: “This partnership with Cagayan is a crucial step in strengthening local systems that protect lives, livelihoods, and development gains. Through SHIELD, we aim to empower local governments with the tools, data, and capacities they need to make risk-informed decisions and implement solutions that truly build resilience for communities most exposed to climate and disaster risks.” 

Under this partnership, SHIELD will work closely with the Provincial Government of Cagayan to strengthen the data ecosystem for resilience planning and informed decision-making, co-develop risk-informed land-use plans and investment programs, and advance resilient livelihoods and enterprises through value chain analysis and business continuity planning. The collaboration will also enhance multistakeholder partnerships to foster inclusive, community-led resilience solutions and support the preparation of bankable proposals that enable the province to access financing for resilience and climate adaptation investments.

The partnership with Cagayan adds momentum to SHIELD’s nationwide efforts to empower local governments and communities in reducing risks, protecting lives and livelihoods, and advancing a more resilient and sustainable future.

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The Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change (SHIELD) Programme is a multi-year partnership covering ten provinces and two regions in the Philippines that are among the most vulnerable to disasters and climate change impacts. SHIELD is supported by the Australian Government and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippines, consortium partners and government partners: Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), National Resilience Council (NRC), Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST).